Anwar Richardson is reporting via Twitter that the Lions are nearing the end of the Calvin Johnson extension process. He reports that the deal would tack on seven years which would keep CJ a Lion for the next eight seasons.

The timing of the extension could prove crucial in the Lions’ efforts to retain Jeff Backus and more likely Stephen Tulloch, who is looking for a long term deal and has yet to surface in any free agency rumors.

Update: CJ is on a flight to Detroit, this thing is a done deal.

Update: Twitter is abuzz with news that the extension is finalized and will be announced at 1:00.